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72 DISEASES OF SWINE 



the animal acts feverish and dull, the respirations and 

 pulse-beats are quickened, the appetite lost, and the 

 pain more or less severe. The sow remains in her 

 bed most of the time. When she gets on her feet and 

 moves about, the gait is unsteady and s'taggery. This 

 results from weakness and the soreness in the hind 

 parts. When the hand is introduced into the vagina 

 the parts feel hot, and the visible part of the mucous 

 membrane lining the vulva is red and inflamed. 

 Within a few days a discharge from the vulva occurs, 

 and if the afterbirth and one or more dead pigs are 

 retained, the sow strains frequently and endeavors 

 to expel them. Shivering also occurs. 



In the severe cases the disease usually terminates 

 in death. The sow grows weak rapidly, and dies in a 

 short time after coming down with the disease. 



In the mild form marked general disturbances, 

 such as loss of appetite, fever, and severe pain, do 

 not occur. Sometimes the inflammation takes on a 

 chronic form and continues for several weeks. A 

 disagreeable discharge containing portions of decom- 

 posed pigs and membranes is passed, and the animal 

 becomes very unthrifty, or the discharge may be so 

 slight as to escape notice. Unless treated, it usually 

 continues for weeks. Peritonitis is not an uncommon 

 complication. 



Treatment. — Preventive measures are of the great- 

 est importance in this disease. Dirty hands and in- 

 struments must not be introduced into the genital 

 canal. When giving the necessary aid in a difficult 

 birth, the operator should avoid injuring the organs, 



